Monday, December 6, 2010

Grinchy!

So, there are SOME things I do not like about the holiday... doesn't mean that they are wrong... just not my cup of tea.... especially when there is cocoa to be served!

Colored Christmas tree lights.  Let your decorations lend the color to the decor.

Blinking ornaments.  Enough already,.... let's keep it simple.
Decorations in the bathroom.... we get it.  It's the holidays... I don't need to wash my hands with Rudolph.

Tinsel.  I don't think I even need to expand on this one... do I?

But DO decorate with live holly, misletoe and magnolia leaves.  A simple festive floral candle in the bathroom will get you message across.  Fresh pine boughs tied up anywhere lend a festive spirit.  A fire in the fireplace is always welcoming... just remember to temper your heating to accommodate your guests.  Red candles make a joyous statement.  Candles strike a lovely atmosphere... the more the merrier.

Stay away from anything that needs any industrial blower or will jack up your electric bill by 25%.

Think environmentally and you will do everyone  a favor!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Mies Van der Roh and Christmas!!!

I have just moved two wing chairs, a side table, a needlepoint footstool, a dining room table and six chairs.

I am shifting the house to make room for the Christmas tree... however, when opportunity presents itself, be ready!

Wow.  That bigger wing chair sure looks good in the study, even though the other chair was much smaller.  The blue and white garden stool fits neatly underneath the huntboard.  Decluttering the mantle to make way for the garland has given the living room a new look.

Sometimes the best decorating involves editing.  The old adage about removing one accessory before going out also applies to the home.  We tend to clutter our homes as we do our lives.  Paring down is cathartic.

Give yourself a gift.  And maybe someone else too... declutter your home, donate your extras to Goodwill before the Holidays.  Make someone else's Christmas and take a write off too.

Less can be more.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Some things I love for the Holidays

Silver.... Silver decorations are festive for both Christmas AND New Year's Eve.  Decorate once, enjoy it twice!  Silver candles are particularly pretty in crystal holders.  Silver balls are beautiful in a punch bowl.  Silver place settings are always elegant.

Ok, so not everyone had mint julep cups BUT if you do, don't wait until the Derby to pull them out!  They make lovely water "glasses" and look great next to crystal stems.  Or set one at each place at the table and fill it with holly sprigs.

Age old trick, always a fresh idea... stud fresh oranges with cloves.  You can get creative and make designs  if you wish.  The orange and clove scent is is perfect for the holidays.  A big silver bowl filled with studded oranges makes a great centerpiece.

Can't afford pricey table decorations?  Do you have small jewelry gift boxes?  Wrap them in festive paper and tie pretty bows on them.  Group them as a centerpiece.

On the cusp of sounding like Hints from Heloise, I save pretty Christmas cards, cut the front from the back and wrap a present with a single ribbon (do not tie in a bow; just tape the ends) then I stick the pretty card on top of the taped ribbon.  Beautiful wrapping and you've done your part recycling!

Well I'm off to indulge in one of holiday favorites... Egg Nog!